Biographies Books

This is the seed book on advertising and copywriting.

It's a short book. The ideas in it are so tersely stated
it's easy to miss their profundity.

Very concise. Very well illustrated by examples from
Hopkins' advertising career. The incidents described
occurred in a different time though - so they might
at first inapplicable to today's marketing environment.

Housewives no longer become excited by canned Baked Beans
and mail-order corsetry. When this book was written
products were described with words and a drawing at
best. The demands of the marketplace today are different
and customers have been split-up into almost infinite
niche markets today.

Still, timeless wisdom about what gets people to buy.

I have read marketing books by several of the most famous marketers who are still alive and this book is much better than all of them. This book lets you really understand marketing in a practical way, whereas other books make marketing seem more difficult, confusing, theoretical, and vague. Other books are much less helpful than this one. I think Claude had many times more experience and major successes than any living marketer. I think he knew what he was talking about much more than any others. That's why he explains things much better. I think he was also much smarter and talented as well. He was truly a marketing genius. It doesn't matter that this book is old, because people haven't changed and the scientific principles underlying marketing have not changed at all. If it is true that few people read this book, then I am glad! I would be afraid if all my competition read this book!

This should be a must reading in every single business university on the planet earth that teaches marketing and advertising. Brilliant book!

Hopkins's career began at the dawn of advertising and copywriting. As his career progressed so did advertising and he gives us a behind the scenes look at many advertising campaigns from the late 1800's-1920's. Hopkins almost single-handedly helped take copywriting out of its "swaddling clothes."

Of equal interest is his personal history. He was raised in a strict religious home and expected to become a minister. But at age 17 he delivered a sermon that revealed his true beliefs, which were more liberal than his mother's, and he said it was the defining moment of his life. Not once, however, does he criticize his parents or his upbringing and he credits his mother for his advertising and copywriting skills.

Hopkins launched his career in Grand Rapids, Michigan and eventually moved to Chicago, and other cities, for bigger and better jobs. Yet he says that he wondered if remaining in Grand Rapids and living a quiet life wouldn't have been the better choice. He remained connected to normal, real people even after becoming affluent and said he learned much about contentment from them. Hopkins's attitude is very different from most authors of modern business and personal finance books, where it's all about the money.

Scientific Advertising is, as you already know, must reading for advertisers and copywriters. The chapters are short and address very specific topics: headlines, letters, individuality, telling a full story, and, my favorite, service. "The good salesman does not merely cry a name...He pictures the customer's side of his service until the natural result is to buy."

In this book you will not only learn about advertising but you will encounter a humble man who remained detached from the trappings that advertising can sometimes present.

If you are going to be successful in direct marketing you need to the buy this book and read it until you can quote from it. Study this book and it will pay off.

I have 26 more pg. to read, & I don't want this book to end. I am enjoying seeing parts of Mrs. Cleary's life in her fiction books. I now want to re-read all my Ramona books.

After devouring Beverly Cleary's first memoir "A Girl From Yamhill" I couldn't wait to read My Own Two Feet. The only thing to complain about is that there isn't a sequel to this one! Picking up where Yamhill left off, we share in Beverly Cleary's journey through college and into her adult years and the writing of her first book, Henry Huggins. Reading Cleary's Memoirs, I was taken back to my own childhood and my love for Ramona & Beezus. Cleary has a unique gift of simple writing that readers of all ages can enjoy, whether you are 8 or 80. I lover her writing as much today as I did when I was in the 3rd grade.

A must-read for all Beverly Cleary fans. Picks up the story where "A Girl from Yamhill" left off and takes us through her college years and her career as a librarian. A book that will inspire you to become a librarian or a children's book author. As well writen and accessible as all of her children's books about the gang on Klikitat Street.

I loved Beverly Cleary's fictional books when I was a boy. More recently, I enjoyed reading her first memoir "A Girl from Yamhill." Therefore, I just had to read her second memoir, "My Own Two Feet" which chronicles her life through college, her work as a librarian, her marriage, and the beginning of her life as a children's author. I loved it! It not only provides a wonderful insight into the mindset and character of its author; but also presents a vivid, sometimes very nostalgic, look at life in the 30's and 40's. It describes an America that has disappeared. A college social life that revolved around a seemingly endless number of dances and a strict code of decorum on how young women should dress and act. A small town opposed to the idea of having two married librarians since jobs were so scarce during the Depression that it was considered fair enough for just the husband to have a job. Also as a Catholic, I was amused by Beverly's parents' opposition to her marriage to Clarence Cleary simply because he was Catholic.

There's also some fun information for the fans of her fictional books. Readers will learn how Ribsy and Ramona got their names and what was Mrs. Cleary's original ending to "Henry Huggins." It's also interesting to note that the character of Ramona Quimby, which is arguably Mrs. Cleary's most beloved, was created simply as an afterthought to keep all her characters from being only children. I absolutely loved this book, and was disappointed it was so short!

This was an interesting and thoroughly enjoyable memoir about Beverly Cleary, nee Bunn, as a young woman during the Depression and World War II. The previous reviewers were on target concerning Beverly's easy writing style and vivid recollections of her family and college years: traveling alone by bus from Oregon to California to attend Chaffey Junior College for two years, matriculating to U Cal Berkeley, studying at the U of Washington after graduating from Berkeley to become a librarian, marrying Clarence Cleary (her strained relationship with her mother because of it) and working as a librarian at the US Army's Camp Knight and Oakland Regional Hospital during WWII, writing and publishing her first children's book. Many B&W photos of family and friends are included. I highly recommend MY OWN TWO FEET.

After 35 years, finally something that starts to put together some of the pieces. Dean has hit the nail on the head for me, although only about 30% of the book really relates to my experiences. I still need some answers, but now have a better idea of how to find them.

This is a great book to enable soldiers to come to terms with the effects of PTSD. It is the best book around on the subject.

This is one of the finest books written for Vietnam veterans and their families, and I've read many. As a former wife of a Vietnam vet, I know too well the emotional devastation that was visited on those of us who were ill prepared for the return of our loved ones, suffering from psychic war wounds.
This book spells out what PTSD is, in clear, understandable language. How I wish I'd had this book years ago, but I am eternally grateful for Chuck Dean's courage and insight into this subject. He is helping so many of us find a way to put our trauma in perspective, and find meaning in our experience. Thank you, Chuck, for writing this book!!

I am a social worker with the Dept of Veterans Affairs and work closely with many Vietnam vets. This book put their experience in perspective for me. My father is also a Vietnam Vet and I have urged him to read this book. I have read many books on treating PTSD and about the Vietnam War, but this, by far, is the finest book I own regarding both of those topics.

Since 1975, nearly three times as many Vietnam veterans have committed suicide than were killed in the war, the divorce rate among Vietnam veterans is above 90 percent, and between 40 and 60 percent of Vietnam combatants have persistent problems related to the war. What is the cause of these terrible statistics, and how can Vietnam veterans cope with flashbacks, depression, fits of rage and worse? Written by a Vietnam veteran, and now in a newly revised and expanded edition, Nam Vet: Making Peace with Your Past is a self-help guide that helps survivors identify the origins of self-destructive behavior with roots in the war, and make lasting peace with the past. Chapters address how to deal with recurring nightmares, survival guilt, PTSD, the dangers of "self-medication" and much more. A profound, earnest and helpful book grounded in realistic appraisal of lasting personal problems relating to the war, strongly recommended for the families of veterans as well as veterans themselves.

Reading Linda's story I instantly knew I'd want to lend this book to my Mum after I'd finished it. Are high achievers born or made? You won't find the answer in reading this book, but you'll see how a determined young woman who had every reason to fail succeeded and raised a champion. More importantly I feel - this story isn't just about Lance. It's definitely hers, it's quirky and charming, easy to read and definitely gives you a feel for her character. I preferred It's Not About the Bike: My Journey Back to Life - but I definitely recommend this as a great follow up read.
Kirsty Dunphey, Author Retired at 27, If I can do it anyone can

Linda Armstrong started out with enough strikes to doom most to a mediocre life - daughter of divorced parents and a drunkard father (stopped drinking when Lance was born), married at 16, mother at 17, expelled from high school for being pregnant, and abused by husband whom she eventually left. Instead, she raised (inspired, cheered, protected, funded, and assisted his early development and becoming a champion, and then added her inner strength to Lance's during a devastating cancer encounter) a world renowned bicycling champion and major force in cancer research and support.

At the same time Linda went on to complete her GED and worked her way up to a high-level position within a large communications firm. It was not all success for Linda, however - she also had to go through two additional failed marriages (a philanderer, and a drunkard), before finally finding her "true love."

After reading the book it is clear that both Lance Armstrong AND his mother, Linda, are very exceptional and inspirational individuals. I wish I had read this book myself before becoming a parent - my approach and perspectives would hopefully have greatly improved.

A very well written book bringing the reader the life of an adoring Mother and her son. Neither would give up on their individual dreams in their respective pursuits of happiness in their lives. Enjoyable, insightful reading start to finish. Many congrats to both, and a special congratualtion to Lance for winning his seventh Tour deFrance.

Funny, sad, interesting, well-written, inspirational. I have great respect and admiration for Linda Armstrong Kelly. She is a remarkable woman with an incredible ability to adapt to any situation life throws her way. What a great woman!

I am glad Lance's Mom decided to write her story. After I read It's Not About the Bike, I was inspired and eager to learn how a seemingly super-human came to be. Now I know: his Mom exudes energy, enthusiasm, and optimism without bounds: who could lose with such incredible and selfless support screaming in your ear on each lap of the race.

This is a book that focuses primarily on Linda Armstrong Kelly. Lance plays a pivotal but supporting role in the story. She is honest and forthright about the men in her life; other women have just shriveled and become bitter. She is unabashedly supportive of her son, in spite of his adolescent fixation with speeding and dangerous shenanagans with his pals. And... she raised a smart son who loves and respects his mother, especially shielding her from some of the pranks that would drive many parents to pack their son off to some military academy. The fireballs come to mind as I write this.

She is a mom that celebrates Mother's Day, everyday. Now, if she can figure out a way to bottle and sell her optimism and energy! Enjoy the read.

Funny, sad, dry humor, sarcasm, depressing, but most of all captivating.
Another one of those 'read in two days books'. The authors writing style makes this book happen. Previous reviews are right on the money. Don't pass up this book on infantry combat.

This is easily one of the best memoirs from a combat soldier, in any war, that I have ever read (and I've read many!). It is probably the best Normandy memoir, with the possible exception of "Other Clay" by C. Cawthon. But where Cawthon's bk. and others cover the Normandy Campaign and then move through the war as the bk. progresses (giving more or less coverage to Normandy), Stodghill focuses the entire bk. on his experiences in Normandy with the 4th Infantry Division, from the beginning to the Falaise Gap. It is rich with details, anecdotes and stories that military history readers will find fascinating and useful. Best of all, perhaps, is that it is pleasantly readable! The author became a writer by profession after the war and knows his craft. You will find it very hard to put down. My only regret is that it is published in paperback. I expect to refer to it over and over again, and a hard-bound copy would be more durable. In spite of this, I highly recommend it.

The most honest story of WWII that I have ever read. It does not dwell on heroics but tells a story as it really happened. The author is brilliant in the way he describes the realities of war and of the fighting man. The drudgery and treachery of war comes alive in the telling. The shortcomings of leadership and downright incompetence of some are not spared from the pen. Respect and even compassion at times for the enemy is unusual in a story of this nature. Dick Stodghill has made a lasting impression on me. He is what a real soldier is made of. He loathed what he had to do, but did his duty for his country.

MR. Stodgill gives the reader a rare emotional personal experience of the life of an 18 year old Infantry soldier's obervations and impressions of daily close combat during the Normandy Campaign. Outspoken and honest. Spares no punches in describing good and bad leadership from Generals on down the leadership chain in the bloody hedge row fighting following the Normandy Invasion.

As I think about this book that I've just read I am struck by several rather random, disconnected thoughts.

First there's the writing style. Mr. stodghill is an accomplished writer, and it comes through wonderfully. Sample from the first couple of pages: 'On long summer days we sometimes played at war. Americans versus Germans, a replay fo the war fought by our fathers two decades earlier.' And a paragraph later, 'Curly-haired Lewis Gorkowski died on a battlefield in Italy, lanky Harry McKitrick on another in Germany....'

Second, my stint in the Army was twenty years later clearly said that most things never changed. They woke up one day and were told, 'Today you get your overseas shots.' Stand in line, one in the left, one in the right, seventeen shots. The next day they are told, 'Today you get your overseas shots.' 'But we got them yesterday.' 'They lost the records.' Seventeen more shots. My experience was different, but only in minor details.

Third, Mr. Stodghill went into Normandy shortly after D-Day. The life of a replacement joining an established unit had to be miserable. The vets didn't want to make friends with the newbies. It was then too hard to watch them die and they were too weary to care. The new replacements were alone, alone he was led up to his unit as they were engaged in a fire fight.

Finally, this book is published by one of the new self publishing companies, not one of the big major publishers. This is probably the only way that this book could get published. Mr. Stodghill is not famous. His story is not going to get a big bidget promotional campaign. It is unlikely that this will be made into a movie.

It's good that such publishers have become available, as this is a captivating hard-to-put-down story, well told and well worth your time reading.

Snyder's curiosity led him down a path of discovery, an uncovering of family memories his family had chosen to forget. His journey helped him to understand the mysteries of his childhood. His treatment of the story is sensitive and poignant and does great justice to his mother's courageous last gift. A truly touching story.

What a powerful memoir! I couldn't put this book down--but I found myself needing to just so I could keep breathing. This memoir brought to mind another memoir that I read called "In the Shadow of Polio" by Katheryn Black" I don't want to give away too much about either memoir only to say I was deeply moved by both of these books..and I will share this one with my Mother.

It is clear that Don Snyder had to write this book, if only for himself. That he chose to dedicate it to his father and share it with the reading public is a great gift indeed. In 1950, the year that Don and his twin brother Jack were born, many family secrets were still kept closely guarded in a way that wasn't truly in anyone's best interests. It was customary in many American families to obliterate any evidence of painful family incidents and tragedies. Adults did themselves no favors in maintaining these fictions. Even such ordinary things as second marriages after the death of a spouse were often kept secret from children. When they stumbled upon evidence of such secrets, or were at last told of such matters as adults, they naturally felt betrayed.

Don Snyder's family kept some secrets like that, and he addresses all of them and postulates the reasons why certain truths were withheld for so long. The death of a healthy, normal 19-year old girl 16 days after giving birth just didn't make sense. "Toxemia" and "pre-eclampsia," medical terms used to describe the cause of death of Peggy Snyder, were not meaningful to most of the lay public at that time. And so Peggy's tragic death was not so much "hushed up" as it was put away on a high shelf where no one could get to it, because it was just too painful to recall.

That Snyder was able to track down so many friends, acquaintances, and most especially medical personnel who played a part in Peggy's diagnosis, delivery and treatment -- such as was available -- is amazing. In Peggy's case, it seems that even in the late 40s and early 50s she left a paper trail almost as effective as the one computer databases, cell phone towers and GPS devices would provide today.

I came to really love Peggy, as her son makes her come alive -- most especially in black and white photographs that are described, not seen. (This technique does not always work.) Reading this lovely and sad memoir reminded me of Clarence's observation to George in "It's A Wonderful Life:" each man's life touches so many other lives, and when he isn't around he leaves an awful hole...".

It is amazing that Snyder had the ability to put this story on paper and go through what was necessary to do so. His writing is extraordinary, and I do not use that word lightly. It has been about 3 years since I read this book and it is easily one of the few that will stick with me forever. It reads like a love story, a mystery, and the memoir that it is. Bravo, Mr. Snyder.

To me, this was a masterpiece--something I didn't expect. I had read his previous book "The Cliff Walk" and found out later that he was doing a reading that summer of "Of Time and Memory" at a local bookstore. At that reading, I told him that The Cliff Walk was incredibly written and that I'd recommendeded it to many people. He then told me that that book was 'practice' for this book, the book he always meant to write. I found that hard to believe, but the comment alone prompted me to let the book sit on a shelf FOR FOUR YEARS. I was waiting for a good time to read it AND afraid of being disappointed, both at the same time.
Not only was it better than I thought, it would be SIX STARS versus the previous book's 5! Snyder's ability to write not like he's telling you but almost like you're overhearing him tell someone else puts you right there, right in the conversation, right in the middle of the thought as it grows. I was always taught to write in a linear way, to go from this to this to this. Don Snyder knows how to not just take you there, but to carry you, to help you feel the doubts and insecurities along the way. In today's world where flaws are edited out and smoothed over Snyder shows them all--including his own as they pop up like stray dandelions. (This again sounds less like a story he polished to show others and more like that which he'd tell to only his closest friends.) In the end I struggled, not so much with putting it down as with facing the fact that this book would have to end--the greatest compliment I can think of giving any book. His look at the human condition helped give me a new definition of what good writing is really about.

This should give you a general idea of how good this book is: After reading the last page, I turned to page 1 and started reading it all over again.

When was the last time you read a book twice?

Ziolkowski's style is like a perfect wave--clean, gorgeous, and unique. It's not just about a surfer searching for perfection, but a boy searching for himself in post-Vietnam era of sunny Florida, where everyone is tan and bleachy-haired, Led Zeppelin is on every radio, and pot is as prevalent as palm trees.

The story begins with the author at ten, still reeling from his parents' divorce and craving diversion like any normal kid. But it is surfing that becomes his ultimate grace, giving him confidence and the room to dream outside the troubles at home. When his family begins to unravel, his heartbreak at dreams realized and lost will strike a sympathetic chord in anyone who is connected to the sea, to family, and to one's true self. The author's search for his identity comes full circle--beginning, ending, and beginning again--on a wave.

I loved this story of a young boy's passion for the ocean easing his growing pains. Very well-written.

thanks for the prompt delivery! I will definitely look for you again when ordering

Thad hits the nail on the head! Having grown up in Melbourne Beach during the time period described I feel qualified to speak on the authenticity of the scene depicted: perfect, took me back in time! Anyone who grew up in the space coast area during the 70's will be able to identify some of the characters described. This is an execellent book for the non-surfer as well as the surfer. This book will remain on my annual reading list along with Caught Inside, Lighting out and West of Jesus. Thanks Thad for an execellent read!

Excellent.This book will stay with you long after you read it. As a 50ish surfer from the Texas gulf coast this book reminds me of why I consider myself lucky.

Robert Peterson (1925-2006) wrote this pioneering history in 1970 when many ex-players were living. Drawing on interviews, Peterson makes the Negro Leagues come to life. Readers learn of stars like Bullet Joe Rogan, Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson ("the black Babe Ruth"), Cool Papa Bell, Oscar Charleston, etc., and teams like the Kansas City Monarchs, Homestead Grays, Indianapolis Clowns, Chicago American Giants, etc. The Negro Leagues were one of the largest black-owned businesses, though a couple teams (Pittsburgh Crawfords) were run by racketeers. Readers learn about Rube Foster, who founded the Negro National League in 1920, the annual All-Star game in Chicago's Comiskey Park, barnstorming against white big leaguers, and travel conditions that ranged from decent to difficult and discriminatory. There is also an appendix with team rosters and yearly standings.

The Negro Leagues began to fade as Jackie Robinson joined the Dodgers in 1947, and folded completely in 1960 - a sad day signalling a better era. Then this book arrived to bring attention to the Leagues and its players. One, Ted "Double-Duty" Radcliffe (1902-2005), became a fixture at White Sox games, signing autographs, and throwing out the first ball on his 101st and 102nd birthdays.

Today fans can visit The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, buy team merchandise, and enjoy several good books on the subject, including I WAS RIGHT ON TIME (by Buck O'Neil), BASEBALL'S GREAT EXPERIMENT and several others. Peterson deserves at least a little credit for this.

A scholarly effort by a great Negro Leagues historian, evidenced by Oxford University Press imprint. Highly informative, a tremendous read! Five-star plus*****

"Negro baseball," writes Robert W. Peterson, "was both a gladsome thing and a blot on America's conscience."

And in that one sentence, Peterson defines the glory of Negro Leagues baseball and how it also magnified the sordid race hatred of this nation, with the ramifications still being felt today.

When the book was published in 1970, the Negro Leagues was not really known by a whiter (oops, I mean "wider") audience. Peterson, who had a journalism background as an editor for the New York World-Telegram and The Sun, set out on this journey in 1966 by interviewing players, studying microfilm of black newspapers and delving into game accounts & features in sporting publications.

He traces the history of some of the greatest players and teams ever in the game from post-Civil War to 1947. Along with a history highlighted through extensive interviews are a recap of yearly standings and a register of players and league/team officials.

Names such as Cool Papa Bell, Judy Johnson, Buck Leonard and Rube Foster & teams like the Kansas City Monarchs, Cleveland Buckeyes and Pittsburgh Crawfords come to life and opened a door to a wealth of research into NLB that continues today.

Peterson, who passed away in February 2006 at the age of 80, was on a 2006 committee that selected players/executives from NLB and the pre-NLB era for baseball's Hall of Fame. His ballot was filled out before his death and used in the vote.

It can't be forgotten that NLB welcomed whites and women on the field of play, in the grandstands and in the front offices. Truly, Peterson shows in Only the Ball Was White that there were no rear entrances, separate facilities and racial hatred in Negro Leagues Baseball. The book will never lose its standing as a true beacon to a history that must never again be forgotten.

I consider myself a self-educated baseball historian, but had very little knowledge of the Negro Leagues - until I read this book. It's a wonderful introduction to the proud but sad history of the African American experience in baseball in the first half of the 20th century. I now have a strong working knowledge of the dominent personalities of the Negro Leagues and its many extraodinary athletes - many of whom would have been certain stars in the Majors.

As I read it, I kept thinking to myself what a tragedy it was that these great black ballplayers were barred from the Major Leagues. How different the game would have been. Cool Papa Bell - maybe the fastest man ever to play the game. Satchel Paige - one of the greatest pitchers of all time, black or white. Josh Gibson - the Babe Ruth of the Negro Leagues. Pop Lloyd - the Black Honus Wagner.

It's a overwhelmingly sad chapter in American history for sure; but it's also a compelling story of perseverence and dedication that allowed the Negro Leagues to succeed for so long in the face of incredible obstacles. If you love baseball history, do yourself a favor and read this book. Your baseball knowledge will not be complete without an understanding of the Negro Leagues.

Robert Peterson originally published this book in 1970 so it's really the original and standard history of the Negro Leagues. Peterson not only tells the history of these leagues and some of the great players, but also provides brief biographical sketches of dozens of players whose big league service would otherwise be lost to history. The book also has extensive appendices with annual standings and box scores of all-star games. The book gives us glimpses into Jim Crow America (and it was not just in the South).

Peterson portrays the often overlooked fact that the Negro Leagues were a business venture run almost exclusively by and for black people. And it was a tough business at that, but one that drew often sizeable crowds, especially on exciting and exhausting barnstorming tours. The Negro Leagues could not survive integration as its best players were siphoned off to the 'majors'. Despite the obvious benefits to those men who were finally broke through the wall of prejudice, the reader also understands that there was a sense of loss when the leagues shut down in 1960. More powerfully, the reader experiences the lost opportunities suffered by those players who never got the chance to play in the majors and make major league money, like Jimmie Crutchfield, the Black Lloyd Waner, who barely made a living on one side of Pittsburgh playing for the Crawfords while Waner hauled down $12,000 a year (a princely sum at the time) playing for the Pirates.

A must read for anyone interested in baseball, race relations, or American history.

The pouty look on the author's face on the cover of the book should be enough for anyone to know exactly how the book will read.
As a current Hodgkin's patient, I was highly disappointed in Only When I Sleep. I kept reading it only because I wanted to be able to write a review here to counter those that convinced me I should buy the book. I am experiencing how personally devastating cancer can be, however, I am ashamed (and a little bit angry) that people might think that all cancer patients behave like spoiled children, moping around in search of pity and verbally abusing those who love them.
There are certain emotions and ideas about cancer which the author writes about that I do agree with; however, it's mind-boggling why someone would want to actually put their selfish and immature behavior on display like this. Shaw-Brawley wasn't happy unless everyone was coddling her; she had to see everyone cry over her before she was happy. Her poor parents and husband deserve some kind of award for putting up with her--they were probably exhausted by the time her treatments were over. I agree that families experience cancer right along with the patient--there's no denying that--but none should have to suffer like Shaw-Brawley's.
I don't doubt that keeping a journal throughout her ordeal was beneficial and cathartic to Shaw-Brawley, it was not something I feel she should share with the world. In no way am I saying that what she was feeling was wrong or that she should have kept it bottled up...it just wasn't worth publishing. Journals are meant for personal reflection and should be kept in a box in the back of the closet.
I gave the book two stars only because it must have took some kind of gumption to show this side of herself in a book. Do yourself a favor and don't buy this book...neither the writing or the editing is that good anyway.

Lisa is a brave and intelligent person. The words she writes of her cancer experience are from inside her soul, they are real. She dares to speak of her fear. You can hear her fear and her courage to fight fear. She insists on explaining this life changing event. She describes cancer's potential and how paraylzing an experience can be. I myself am a (2) time Hodgkins Disease survivor. I can relate to Lisa in many, many ways. The title, "Only When I Sleep," says it all. I strongly encourage anyone to read this book to hear words of a cancer experience and the meaning of a cancer survivor. Those who have experienced cancer and read this book will applaud Lisa for her strength to overcome adversity and commend her for not letting her experience go unnoticed. That yes, Cancer is life changing, it will try to take you down, but for many not without a fight. With a loving support system, you can overcome.
Thanks Lisa, and happy healthy - life to you and yours.
Patti Nowak

This is a wonderful book. It will make you cry, but will also bring joy to your heart and a smile to your face. It makes you realize the "choices" Lisa and her family had to make to survive where very hard for her and her family. You will admire her strength, courage, and her determination to beat this. You see first hand how it effects everyone in her family. How the love of her husband, parents, family members and friends are unconditional. It shows us how the small things we all take for granted can be taken away from us in seconds and our world can be turned upside down. How Lisa never gave up and if you "believe" anything is possible.

I highly recommend this book to everyone, not just those dealing with cancer. There is a "lesson" for everyone to learn from Lisa's experience. It's a WONDERFUL story of love, courage, faith and determination of a young woman who is fighting to survive cancer.

This is a wonderful book. It will make you cry, but will also bring joy to your heart and a smile to your face. It makes you realize the "choices" Lisa and her family had to make to survive where very hard for her and her family. You will admire her strength, courage, and her determination to beat this. You see first hand how it effects everyone in her family. How the love of her husband, parents, family members and friends are unconditional. It shows us how the small things we all take for granted can be taken away from us in seconds and our world can be turned upside down. How Lisa never gave up and if you "believe" anything is possible.

I highly recommend this book to everyone, not just those dealing with cancer. There is a "lesson" for everyone to learn from Lisa's experience. It's a WONDERFUL story of love, courage, faith and determination of a young woman who is fighting to survive cancer.

Only When I Sleep: My Family's Journey Through Cancer is an intensely personal, candid, and compelling account of then 24-year-old Lisa Shaw-Brawley's battle to overcome Hodgkin's disease and give birth to a child. This superbly written and presented biographical account is an inspiring testament to the human spirit in overcoming adversity and striving for a dream against all the odds. Highly recommended reading.

In "The Power of Two: A Twin Triumph over Cystic Fibrosis," we meet identical twins, Isabel and Anabel Stenzel, who were born with a deadly disease: cystic fibrosis (CF). As adults, the sisters underwent the only "cure" for CF -- lung transplantation -- and are now living their lives at full-speed after childhoods dominated by chest percussions and drug therapy, numerous and lengthy hospitalizations, constant medical scrutiny, and watching their friends with CF die at young ages. "The Power of Two" is a beautifully written book that will amaze you with its brutal honesty, move you to tears, and inspire you to count your blessings. The remarkable Stenzel twins have an extraordinary lesson to teach us all: never give up, live life to the fullest, and don't take the incredible gift of breath for granted. Their story will linger in your heart long after you've closed this book.

What a powerful book! The twins take you through a very tough physical journey of their lives. I could not put this book down, and I would be shocked if it did not touch your heart. This book is truly inspiring!

Wow. The twins' story about growing up with cystic fibrosis, their biracial family, and succeeding in going to college, finding love and ultimately receiving lung transplants is profoundly moving. Their honesty about their good (and not so good) experiences, particularly with their parents and brother, and later with boyfriends, is absolutely gripping. Their persistence and hope in the face of repeated challenges, conveyed in a well-written narrative, is awesome and makes this book a great read for anyone facing challenges or wanting inspiration.

This book gives great courage to its readers. It is at once a tale of Ana and Isa's triumph over Cystic Fibrosis and their triumph over the struggle that is life itself. Their decision to live as victors, to engage life fully and to find value and meaning in the midst of great storms is powerful. I have found strength in this book for my own personal trials and believe that others who read it will be equally moved. This is a perfect book for those who are struggling with personal health issues, for young adults and adolescents, for people in the health industry and for educators who wish to enlighten themselves and their students on chronic illnesses, living with disabilities and issues of biculturalism.
An amazing read. I simply could not put it down.

I agree with what Tiffany wrote before me. I'm also an adult with CF, just hit 30. I had considered writing my own little CF memoir, but these girls did such an awesome job with their vivid depiction of their experiences, thoughts and emotions throughout their lives, they covered it all. Their journey brings you into the world of all stages of CF from everyday maintenance to near death experiences, how it's changed since the 70's, the treatments, the pain and the joy in meeting others in this special CF club. As others have said, this book covers so much more. With a German father and Japanese mother, they take you through life as biracial twins in America and Japan, their travels around the world, and the amazing support they found in family and eachother, then much much later boyfriends. Their story is brutally honest about their experiences, and they've had some tough ones. What I loved most was this honesty and ability to infuse some funny in their situations and not take themselves too seriously. It's refreshing. The narration of their mother was hilarious, even though she's their biggest supporter it seems. My only complaint is I'm jealous they went to CF camp and met Bob Flanagan, the camps were gone by the time I knew they existed.

Brilliant girls, thank you!